Planning Associate

Location: Bengaluru

Who are we:

We Build Mission-Ready, Cutting-Edge Intelligent Autonomous Systems

From battlefield supremacy to stratospheric dominance, New Space Research & Technologies (NRT) is redefining aerospace and defence with intelligent autonomous systems built for the world’s most demanding missions. Trusted by the Indian Armed Forces across all services, NRT delivers breakthrough unmanned platforms that enable speed, survivability, multi-domain mission flexibility, and strategic superiority.

New Space Research & Technologies (NRT), founded in 2017, is a global leader in swarming technologies, autonomous robotics, and advanced aerospace systems for defense applications. With a workforce of over 500 professionals across 12 facilities worldwide—nearly 70% focused on research and development—NRT has designed and fielded more than 15 proprietary multirotor and fixed-wing platforms. The company’s core expertise spans large-scale UAV swarms, AI-enabled autonomous coordination, and persistent unmanned systems, all validated through rigorous operational deployment in real-world conflict environments.

Role Overview – Planning Associate

The Planning Associate will be responsible for ensuring smooth and efficient production operations by managing materials, coordinating with SCM and Production/Quality & Testing teams, monitoring schedules, and driving process improvements. This role requires strong analytical skills, effective cross-functional collaboration, and a proactive approach to problem-solving to ensure timely project execution and customer satisfaction.

Job Description

Inventory & Material Management

- Analyze current inventory levels as per the BOM and transfer available items from free/excess stock to fulfill production orders.
- Release Purchase

Requisition s (PR) for non-stock and shortage items.
- Coordinate closely with the SCM team to ensure timely placement of Purchase Orders (POs) aligned with delivery schedules.
- Escalate potential delays to management and facilitate interventions to maintain on-time delivery.

Production Planning & Control

- Create Manufacturing Work Orders (MWO) for Assembly and Sub-Assembly BOMs.
- Release Pick Lists or Material

Requisition s (MR) in ERP for issuing materials from stores.
- Follow up with the stores team for kit readiness and launch production as per the defined schedule.
- Prioritize inward materials and coordinate with QC for GRN and inspection to ensure a smooth production flow.
- Monitor and record production progress; escalate any design, capacity, or material shortage issues to the Head of Operations.

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

- Implement processes for returning excess items through Component Return Notes (CRN) to optimize inventory utilization.
- Drive continuous improvement by collecting feedback, analyzing performance data, and implementing best practices.
- Identify potential risks (e.g., supplier delays, equipment failures) and develop mitigation and contingency plans.

Coordination & Communication

- Ensure seamless coordination among Project Management, Design, Production, Quality, Testing, and Logistics teams.
- Develop and implement risk management and issue-mitigation strategies.
- Communicate operational changes, risks, and corrective actions to relevant stakeholders effectively and on time.

Root Cause & Corrective Action Management

- Conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to identify underlying issues and define effective corrective actions.
- Develop and execute action plans to address recurring operational challenges.
- Monitor the effectiveness of corrective measures and ensure sustained process improvement.

Dispatch & Logistics

- Close Work Orders, complete draw transactions for assemblies, and move items to FG stock.
- Coordinate with Stores/Logistics for final packing and vehicle booking for dispatch.
- Ensure deliveries meet customer specifications and timelines.
- Circulate dispatch notifications to Finance/Stores for invoice processing.

Required Skills & Competencies

- Strong understanding of production planning, material planning, and inventory control processes.
- Working knowledge of BOMs, MWOs, MRs, PRs, POs, GRN, and ERP-driven manufacturing environments.
- Proficiency in ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, MS Dynamics, or similar.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Excellent coordination, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Qualifications

- Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Production, Operations, Supply Chain, or a related discipline.

Experience

- 2–4 years of relevant experience in production planning, material planning, or operations planning roles, preferably in a manufacturing or engineering setup.